Four dead as avalanche strikes in French Alps

By Hajer M’tiri

PARIS

At least four people were killed on Monday and five are missing after being swept away in an avalanche which hit the French ski resort of Tignes, according to local media.

The avalanche struck about 2,100 meters above Lake Tignes on the Lavachet slope -- an off-piste area -- at about 10.35 a.m. (0835GMT) local time.

The nationality of the victims is not yet known.

Two helicopters along with police and mountain rescue teams are at the site, according to local police.

Twenty-nine people were killed in an avalanche that hit a mountain resort in central Italy last month.